Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for a slight crisp)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredient Highlights
- Honey: The star of the sauce, honey gives the dish its signature sweetness, while also helping to create a sticky, glossy finish on the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a savory, aromatic depth to the sauce that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami, enriching the sauce and helping to enhance the flavors of the chicken.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar adds a touch of acidity, which helps balance the sweet and savory elements of the sauce.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a bit of spiciness, complementing the garlic and honey perfectly.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make this mouthwatering Honey Garlic Chicken:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, you can dust the chicken with a thin layer of flour. This step is optional but helps create a bit of crunch as the chicken cooks.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and let it warm up.
- Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: To the skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and grated ginger (if using). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the Chicken to the Pan: Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the honey garlic sauce by spooning the sauce over the chicken and allowing it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the honey garlic chicken to a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 32g